Disney Insider: Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2012

Ocean Spray’s Cranberry Bog, one of the exhibits at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, educates visitors about cranberry harvesting.

By Deborah Bowen

Walking through Epcot at this time of the year—the lull between Labor Day and the beginning of “Florida Fall”—can cause one of a couple of reactions. “What’s that shuttered kiosk labeled ‘Australia’?” one might ask. “Did it close? Why did it close?”

But the aficionado of this popular event experiences a delightful frisson of anticipation. “It’s not closed,” she might explain. “It hasn’t opened yet. But get ready for when it does!”

With special guests (including celebrity chefs and prominent vintners from around the world), presentations, merchandise, and all kinds of parties planned for this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Epcot’s main attractions are found throughout World Showcase, in permanent pavilions and in the sudden kiosks filling in the spaces.

I’m talking, of course, about the food and the wine.

• The food! Tempting smells waft throughout the Park, brought about by open-air cooking centers and passers-by carrying plates brimming with delicacies from regions new and familiar. The cheese plate in Ireland tempts the eye and the palate with its selection of crumbly and soft cheeses, thickly-sliced dark bread, and sweet honey for drizzling. The souvlaki in Greece calls to mind the salty, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean: juicy grilled chicken kissed with cooling tzatziki. And don’t forget the sweet treats at every turn.

• But oh, the beverages! Small glasses—appropriate to the varietal—are filled throughout the day with Rieslings, Merlots, Shirazes, and more and more. Countries are encouraged to showcase their new wineries and, of course, bring along guest favorites.  All throughout World Showcase, you’ll get to taste the results of the newest innovations in winemaking and, new this year, a dedicated kiosk for craft beer.

• Also new this year! You’ll find specialty stations for both vegan cookery and Floridian cuisine.

• More phenomenal surprises await! You’ll find book signings from some world-class culinary figures, tastings and samplings, autograph sessions, cooking demonstrations and clinics … all things foodie are available to guests during this incredible festival.

• Don’t forget the merchandise! All kinds of specialty merchandise will be available for purchase, goodies to remind you of your time at Epcot, and new and exciting kitchen tools to take a guest from kitchen artist to kitchen artisan. You’ll want to check out the shops that become dedicated to these exclusive items.

As the weather cools down and the cook tops heat up, you will want to make plans to celebrate at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. It’s a tasting journey around the World that will provide you with unbelievable opportunities to sample some of the most novel cuisine and regional favorites that participating countries have to offer. This annual event is a do-not-miss feast for the tastebuds—and sweet wine for the soul.

Deborah Bowen is a member of the 2012 Walt Disney World Moms Panel.

Panelists have received/will receive a Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, Disneyland Resort or Disney Vacation Club vacation for panelist and up to three family members and/or park tickets for their participation on the Walt Disney World® Moms Panel. The views expressed in the Panel are those of the panelists, who are independent contractors. These views are not intended to reflect the opinions of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online, its affiliates, its management, its agents or its employees and have not been reviewed or approved by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online prior to posting.

Tagged: Disney, Family time